TL;DR:
- The CABs of CPR stand for Circulation, Airway, and Breathing.
- Start with chest compressions to keep blood flowing.
- Open the airway using a head-tilt/chin-lift method.
- Give rescue breaths and watch for chest rise.
- Use an AED if available and continue CPR until help arrives.
When faced with a cardiac emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death. That’s where understanding the CABs of CPR comes in—Circulation, Airway, Breathing. These three foundational steps guide you through how to act in a crisis with confidence and clarity.
In this guide, we’ll break down each component of the CAB sequence, explain why it matters, and show you how to put it into action.
What Are the CABs of CPR?
CAB stands for:
- Circulation
- Airway
- Breathing
This approach prioritizes restoring blood flow first before addressing the airway and breathing.
While older CPR guidelines followed the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) sequence, research showed that starting with chest compressions improves survival rates. That’s why CAB is now the standard in CPR basics, as recommended by emergency health organizations.
C – Circulation: Start Chest Compressions Immediately
The first and most important step is to restore circulation. When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood. That means their brain and other vital organs are starved of oxygen.
Here’s how to support circulation:
- Start CPR immediately with hands-only CPR if you’re untrained.
- Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and the other hand on top.
- Push hard and fast—at least 100–120 compressions per minute, about 2 inches deep.
- Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
CPR steps begin with compressions because they help maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. This dramatically increases the chances of survival until emergency medical services arrive.
A – Airway: Open the Airway
Once you’ve completed 30 compressions (or if you’re following full CPR protocols), the next step is to open the airway. When a person becomes unconscious, their tongue can block their throat, cutting off airflow.
To open the airway:
- Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin.
- This maneuver clears the passage and prepares the person to receive breaths.
Proper airway positioning ensures that oxygen reaches the lungs during rescue breaths. Without this step, breathing assistance may be ineffective.
B – Breathing: Deliver Rescue Breaths
After the airway is open, it’s time to provide rescue breaths. These breaths supply the oxygen the body desperately needs when normal breathing has stopped.
Follow these steps:
- Pinch the nose shut.
- Take a normal breath and breathe into the person’s mouth for one full second.
- Watch to see if the chest rises.
- Give two breaths, then return to chest compressions.
If the chest rises, you’re doing it correctly. If not, re-check the airway and try again. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available.
What About Hands-Only CPR?
If you’re unsure about giving breaths or haven’t been trained, don’t worry—you can still help. Hands-only CPR is recommended for untrained bystanders and involves compressions only, no breaths.
This form of CPR is simple and still highly effective:
- Call 911.
- Begin chest compressions immediately.
- Continue until an AED or emergency team arrives.
Even without rescue breaths, compressions airway and breathing can help circulate existing oxygen and keep vital organs functioning.
Using AEDs with CAB
An essential part of modern CPR is using an automated external defibrillator (AED). These portable devices can restore a normal heart rhythm during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Here’s how they fit into the process:
- Turn on the AED and follow the audio instructions.
- Place the pads on the person’s bare chest.
- Clear the area when the AED analyzes the rhythm.
- Press “shock” if instructed, then resume CPR.
AEDs are often available in public places and should be used as soon as possible during a cardiac arrest.
The Bottom Line: You Can Make a Difference
Learning the CABs of CPR—circulation, airway, breathing—equips you to take life-saving action. Whether you’re trained or not, understanding how to perform CPR can help you stay calm and act fast in an emergency.
By following these simple steps, you’ll improve the victim’s chances of survival and buy precious time until emergency medical services arrive.
Consider taking a certified CPR course to practice these steps hands-on. The more familiar you are with the CPR steps, the more confident you’ll be in helping someone when they need it most.